Okay, so you want to start a serviced accommodation business and make a killing in the process? Well, listen up because I'm about to give you the lowdown on how to make your SA venture the bee's knees.
Let's talk about the systems you need to have in place to protect your investment and streamline your workflows. No, not the nerdy computer kind, but the systems that will make your business run like a well-oiled machine.
Channel Management
First off, you're going to need a channel management system. Think of it like a superhero sidekick, it'll help you manage the day-to-day operations like a boss. This includes things like booking and reservations, guest communications, and financial reporting. It'll make you feel like you're running the hotel empire of your dreams. I use Uplisting, and I highly recommend it.
Marketing and Sales
Next, you're going to need a marketing and sales system. This is what's going to help you fill those rooms and make all that money. You'll need to use things like online booking platforms, social media marketing and other tactics to promote your property and reach potential guests. Trust me, it's not just about having a pretty website; it's about getting bums on beds. Mark Simpson's "Book Direct" series comes highly recommended because it will lessen your reliance on online travel agencies and increase your income.
Customer Relationship Management
You'll also need a customer relationship management (CRM) system. This will help you manage and optimize the relationship with your guests. It'll include things like automated email marketing, reviews and feedback management, and loyalty programs. It's like having a personal assistant that never sleeps or takes a sick day! Look into Hubspot, Zoho, and Less Annoying CRM. It may take some time to set up your CRM and get used to it, but it's well worth it — especially if you connect it with your website and channel manager to save time and improve efficiency.
Housekeeping and Maintenance
Housekeeping and maintenance are also key. You'll need a system in place to make sure your property is clean and well-maintained. This may include:
a scheduling tool such as Google Calendar,
a task management tool such as ClickUp,
an online file-sharing system such as Google Drive,
and communication tools for the housekeeping staff, such as WhatsApp and Slack.
These will make sure your guests don't arrive to find a disaster zone! Alternatively, you can use a system called TurnoverBnB, which has all these features rolled into one.
Financial management
Last but not least, you'll need a financial management system. This will help you keep track of your finances and ensure you're profitable. This may include:
accounting software, such as Xero,
an invoicing and payment system, such as Stripe,
and a budgeting and forecasting tool, such as a spreadsheet.
This system will make sure you're not spending more than you're making, and give you real clarity on the financial health of your SA business.
Conclusion
By investing time and money in the right technology and systems, you can streamline your operations and provide a high-quality experience for your guests. If you're feeling a little lost and need some guidance, that's where I come in. My team at The Property Don offers a mentorship program that'll help you understand and set up these systems properly, as well as a full SA-management service, so you can bypass this process altogether if you choose. So, don't be a scaredy-cat, give it a try, and let's make some money!
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